Ribbon Cutting Celebrates New State-of-the-Art Facility, First Jewish Middle School in DC Since 1976, and Highest Enrollment in School History
October 11, 2018 by
MILTON officially opened its expanded Kay and Robert Schattner Center North Campus with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Celebration on October 8. The opening of the North Campus, which serves students in Grades 2 to 8, marks the establishment of the first dedicated Jewish middle school in Washington, DC since 1976.
This year, MILTON welcomed a record 395 students, representing a 15% increase in enrollment. “As the school celebrates its 30th anniversary, the demand for a MILTON education continues to grow. MILTON’s newly expanded, state of the art facility is designed to provide a vibrant, cutting edge, creative education that encourages students to embrace new ideas while delving into our timeless traditions,” said Head of School Naomi Reem. The state-of-the-art facility at the North Campus features a Design Lab, two science labs, a Beit Midrash (traditional Jewish study hall), two libraries, studios for art and music, a rooftop playing field, a full-sized gymnasium, a new playground with a gaga pit, and many new, bright, inviting learning spaces from classrooms to common spaces.
The renovation and expansion of the facility was made possible by a $20+ million lead gift – one of the largest ever given to a Jewish day school – made by DC resident and mainstay Ambassador Alfred Moses and the family of Milton Gottesman, who himself was a resident of DC’s Georgetown neighborhood for over 50 years. In a congratulatory letter to the school, Mayor Bowser noted that “the renovation and expansion of the Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School adjoined to the Kay and Robert Schattner Center changes the face of Jewish education in our beautiful city. With the addition of seventh and eighth grade programs, students are able to achieve a higher level of scholastic achievement while also growing closer to their Jewish heritage and faith.”
Mayor Muriel Bowser, Councilmembers Brandon Todd and Brianne Nadeau, Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s CEO Gil Preuss and Board President Gary Berman, community leaders, our dear friends Ambassador Al Moses and the Gottesman family, founding head of school Susan Koss, past and present members of the Board of Trustees, current parents, alumni students and their parents, past and present members of the school faculty and staff, friends, and supporters all gathered to share this historic moment together, tour the new facility, learn together, and celebrate.
Watch the video of the Ribbon Cutting here and see more photos from the ceremony and the whole-school celebration on Facebook.
